Much of the New Testament writing is dedicated to the teaching of the building up and spiritual growth of the body of believers. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:15-16, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him Who is the Head, into Christ, from Whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is working properly, makes bodily growth and upbuilds itself in love.” Paul also teaches us in Colossians 2:19 to hold fast to the Head (Jesus Christ) “from Whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.” The Apostle Peter, too, writes in 1 Peter 2:2-5, “Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to Him, to that Living Stone, rejected by men but in God's sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
I believe there is a logical answer as to how a congregation can accomplish these goals espoused by these apostles, these chosen ones hand-picked by the Lord who were speaking through the inspiration of His Holy Spirit, and it is through teaching, both at home and while we are assembled together. I would also suggest that it is a good idea to have the congregation study the same material at the same time. Instead of each of the classes “going its own way,” all of the classes would be studying the same material at the same time at its age-appropriate level. The purpose of doing this should be obvious for all to see: It will keep everyone on the same page, and a congregation should be able to grow even stronger and united together as a congregation of God’s people dedicated to increasing in the knowledge and will of their Lord. Parents and grandparents will be able to know exactly what their children or grandchildren have been studying, for they will be studying it as well. Those who bring neighborhood children to the assembly will be able to discuss with these young ones what they have learned for they will know it, too.
Additionally, I believe it would be a good idea for the preaching to be delivered each Sunday morning on the same topics the congregation will be studying that week. This, too, should also be a way to reinforce what is being studied in the classrooms. This will take effort and planning, but it can be accomplished. Is God not worth the effort? Remember what Peter said in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
May the Lord bless you and your family and your congregation on this journey together!
I believe there is a logical answer as to how a congregation can accomplish these goals espoused by these apostles, these chosen ones hand-picked by the Lord who were speaking through the inspiration of His Holy Spirit, and it is through teaching, both at home and while we are assembled together. I would also suggest that it is a good idea to have the congregation study the same material at the same time. Instead of each of the classes “going its own way,” all of the classes would be studying the same material at the same time at its age-appropriate level. The purpose of doing this should be obvious for all to see: It will keep everyone on the same page, and a congregation should be able to grow even stronger and united together as a congregation of God’s people dedicated to increasing in the knowledge and will of their Lord. Parents and grandparents will be able to know exactly what their children or grandchildren have been studying, for they will be studying it as well. Those who bring neighborhood children to the assembly will be able to discuss with these young ones what they have learned for they will know it, too.
Additionally, I believe it would be a good idea for the preaching to be delivered each Sunday morning on the same topics the congregation will be studying that week. This, too, should also be a way to reinforce what is being studied in the classrooms. This will take effort and planning, but it can be accomplished. Is God not worth the effort? Remember what Peter said in 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
May the Lord bless you and your family and your congregation on this journey together!
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